Duncan Atkins

He told his Official Facebook page that if England open the batting at Cardiff, he will face the opening ball which is something he has dreamt of since he was a young boy growing up in Whitby.

“Being involved in an Ashes series was the biggest event in English cricket, if not the world so it’s an unbelievable feeling knowing I am involved and now we are here in Cardiff I can’t wait to get started tomorrow,” he said.

“Timing is everything in life so to enter the Test side at the start of an Ashes summer is a dream. When you grow up, you want to play in an Ashes series and on Wednesday I’m going to get that opportunity to play my third Test Match at the start of an Investec Ashes series.

“I can’t wait for it all to start, it’s bound to be a great summer.”

Lyth (27) remembers with fondness the epic Ashes series of 2005 which saw England come from behind to win 2-1. It catapulted cricket firmly into the sporting spotlight and spawned a new generation of young cricketers.

“Being an Englishmen of the present generation we have plenty of fond memories thanks to the success of the national side over the past 10 years, which started back in 2005 which has to be a highlight of anyone who loves cricket,” added Lyth.